Catalina Island: Avalon's Iconic Casino

Once you arrive on Catalina Island, located just 22 miles from the Southern California coast, you are in another world. Cares and stress do not exist on this magical island, where you can play in the surf, immerse yourself in history, scoot around town in a golf cart, explore the incredibly beautiful backcountry in a jeep, luxuriate in a world-class spa, dine on superb farm (and surf) to table cuisine, and kayak through pristine coves, among the many other activities that await the visitor to this lovely isle. Although just a few miles off the Southern California coast, Catalina Island remains a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The town of Avalon, founded in 1887 as a seaside resort, evokes a charm that is undeniably unique and captivating. It's no surprise that it was a favorite stomping ground for the rich and famous over the decades. The art-deco Catalina Island Casino, Avalon's icon, dominates the harbor and is no doubt (and no wonder) that it is one of the most photographed buildings on the island.